20 Years of International Day at SSM: Honoring Cultures Across the Globe

By: Ellie Ray '14

Commonly known as “the best day of the school year,” Shattuck-St. Mary’s annual International Day provides the opportunity to celebrate and honor the global diversity that makes our School so special. In February, the entire SSM community gathered in Johnson Gymnasium to watch students, faculty, and staff proudly represent their home countries. With flags held high, they processed into the gym accompanied by their national anthems, played by Pre-Conservatory Director Dr. Ben Downs, and a few even took to the microphone and raised their voices in patriotic song. The 34 countries represented this year were Australia, Austia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United States. A delightful day of food, music, and activity followed as our international students set up stations around the School for their classmates to enjoy.

The first International Day, which began as the Parade of Nations, took place in the 2002-2003 school year, during which international students crossed the stage in Newhall Auditorium donning traditional apparel from their respective countries. In the decades to follow, the annual celebration quickly became one of the School’s most treasured traditions, and has evolved in multiple ways throughout the years. A lot of work has gone into growing International Day into the beloved experience it is today.

English/ESL Department Chair Jan Gould-Martin ’75 joined the SSM faculty in 2005 and decided the event could be even bigger and better. With the help of students, she expanded the assembly into a full day of celebration to better incorporate our global community into SSM student life.

When Director of Admissions Andrew Garlinski ’98 began working at SSM in 2006, first as a 9th grade English and History teacher and later as an ESL instuctor, he heartily joined the crew determined to make International Day the best day of the year. He continues to be actively involved in the preparations for the day. “International Day is one of the most unique and important days on our campus because it lets our diverse community show off their cultures and backgrounds,” shares Andrew. “A lot of amazing cultural exchange happens throughout the school year, but International Day places a bright spotlight on our community’s varied roots.”

In the early years of International Day, when the student body was a bit smaller, faculty and staff read fun facts about each country as the students processed across the gym, and students were able to submit cultural recipes to Food Services for consideration for lunch that day. Eventually, the tradition of the international student stations following the flag ceremony was added to the day’s schedule. The students from each country are in charge of setting up and manning their own stations. While samples of their country’s cuisine is always a big hit, throughout the years these stations have included a wide range of cultural offerings. “We’ve had Mexican hat dancing, Chinese calligraphy, Belarussian history, language lessons, chopstick lessons, and more,” recounts Jan.

The day is designed to bring together the diverse student body in a fun and positive way, while encouraging them to explore and appreciate each other’s ideas, histories, and languages. “The intent of International Day is meant to build community,” Jan GouldMartin declares, “but also to foster awareness and enjoyment of a culture outside our own. It’s a day of learning and celebration, a day of sharing. I love it so much!”

Jan’s love for the celebration is shared by the entire Shattuck-St. Mary’s community, but it is especially meaningful for the international students involved each year, who feel supported by the day's focus on promoting cultural understanding. “International Day is not only a day for me to learn about other countries’ cultures and taste their food, but also a day for me to show the culture of my motherland to my classmates and teachers, which lets them have a better understanding of my country,” shares Jeff Zhang ’24, from China.

Alice Rivetta ’24 spoke about the importance of the day and being able to share customs from her home country of Italy. “International Day means a lot to me. Having the opportunity to represent my country is something that makes me really proud of where I come from, and of my traditions and roots. Additionally, it was so fun! The best school day of the year!”

As SSM continues to build bridges across the globe and to expand our international community, the hope is that International Day will also continue to grow and evolve. “Truly, I think International Day could expand!” exclaims Andrew. “I would love to see international movies, music, or sporting events happening to help all of our students have a better understanding of the world.”

No matter what changes to International Day the next twenty years may bring, the values at its core will remain the same. “International Day is meant to bring outside experiences in through the Arch,” affirms Jan. “It is beautiful, and the way that we do this-asking others to gift us with their cultures and customs-is affirming and enriching.”